Latest on 'self professed Satanists'

THREE self-professed Satanists who were last year sent to remand prison in Harare after they applied for permission to start a Satanism church at a refugee camp in Manicaland are still awaiting deportation almost five months after their refugee status was revoked.

George Rene Longange and Ngezi Ngendo Bragston from Congo, and their Rwandese counterpart Busy Mana Thenetse, were in March given the go-ahead by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Zimbabwe to go to a country of their choice.

However, all the countries the trio has written to seeking sanctuary have refused to accept them because of their belief in Satanism. They sought refuge in Zimbabwe after fleeing civil war and persecution in their countries.

An official from the Zimbabwe Prison Services who requested anonymity complained of mysterious occurrences behind bars due to the presence of the two.

"It is frightening to be around these people, Satanism is not something to be taken lightly. So much is happening that we are beginning to think these guys are up to no good," said the official.

ZPS spokesperson Superintendent Elizabeth Banda confirmed that the two were still in the country.

"It is true that they are in the country and in custody waiting for their repatriation," she said.